Consumer TechConsumer technology is going to exist indefinitely, perhaps for as long as the human species exists. At CleanTechnica, we try to feature consumer technologies that help to reduce global warming pollution and other types of pollution. For example: electric cars, solar panels, bikes, energy efficient appliances and electronics, and green smartphone apps. Keep an eye on this category for all sorts of fun and cool, helpful consumer technology.

9 Surprising Things about People Who Go Solar (Infographic)

Our good friends over at One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) have created another awesome solar power infographic. The last infographic of theirs that we shared here on CleanTechnica, on how much solar power costs in locations across the U.S., was quite popular, and I imagine this new one will be as well. The topic, as you can see from the title above, is 9 surprising things about people who go solar. There really are some surprising things in here, and just some downright cool information — my favorite point is #9. Feel free to let us know which points really surprise or excite you! Here’s the infographic (larger version can be seen on 1BOG… or by clicking on this image and then clicking on it again on the next page — you can also just hold ‘ctrl’ or ‘command’ and press the ‘+’ button):

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media.
You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

One of my favorite points is number 3. Installing solar panels and relying upon solar energy rather than nonrenewable sources of energy isn’t just for the rich. The average income maker can still profit from solar energy.

SirSparks

Bob. I am the (master) electrician, like you mainly Off Grid ( very small back up cord at present)

In addition probably about $250 of marine grade wire and lugs which of course went through the company. No permit; it’s a self built out RV (Box truck).

Bob_Wallace

OK, good info. $1.90/w is a good price, but someone who wanted to save even more could get at or close to $1/W purchasing from Sun Electric.

You didn’t include rack price. For a typical roof or ground mount that might add several hundred dollars to a 1.8k installation. (I’m remembering that my 1.2k racks cost me over $500 total. Be warned about my memory…)

I’ll have to check out the Aims inverter – is that for grid tie or for non-sensitive loads (refer, shop tools, etc.). Model?

$80 for a 400@ pure sinewave. Got a brand/model? Regular price or an Ebay deal?

What kind of charge controllers? Maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and if, what brand/model and where?

(I’m really interested in this answer. I’ve got two racks of panels, ground mounted. For about two months of the year (low Sun track days) I have a tree shading part of the rack for part of the day. One solution is to drop the tree, which I’d rather not do. The other is to put my racks on separate MMPTs so that I get most of the power produced by the partially shaded rack and all from the unshaded.)

—-

For folks who are interested in doing their own, lots of places you’re going to have to pull a permit and you may be required to use a licensed electrician to look over your installation and make the final hookup to the grid.

Sun Electric is pallet priced $1 PLUS shipping. My $1.90 was incl. shipping and per item. (normally 85W panels) The PSW inverter is working perfectly after 6 months just blew out some cobwebs from the fan once.)

In your situation I would use a cheap PWM as the second controller and let the MPPT do all the intelligent work. Just switch off the PWM if you are away from home for an extended period.

In practice my 4 way system works flawllessly.

SirSparks

I don’t expect anyone to believe this but my self install solar cost me a bit under $5,000. My average utility bill before was $300. My average bill now (with some serious life style changes) is $3. YUP! THREE DOLLARS a month. Long live solar.

I’m off the grid, installed my own 1.2kW system with battery storage for a bit over $5k. That was ten years ago when panel prices were quite a bit higher. No permits, no outside labor cost.

Stan

And, to add another nice note regarding this issue…..almost all of my customers want to be friends after all is said and done….if you aren’t in this industry, I have to tell you….I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob_Wallace

Stan – what’s it going to take to get the US price of installed solar from ~$6.40/W to the German average of ~$2.40?

If there’s something that US business excels at, it’s getting stuff to customers at a low price. Where’s the system failing?

Wind Energy

Search the IM Network

The content produced by this site is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions and comments published on this site may not be sanctioned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sustainable Enterprises Media, Inc., its owners, sponsors, affiliates, or subsidiaries.